Nikon Z6iii Review- No BullSh!t

Hello again. As I lean more into making things on Youtube, this option falls to the wayside. I am often torn or conflicted about wether I should write here more often, and discuss my thoughts for those who prefer to read but I prefer the visual delivery. So I wont ramble but please take a few minutes to watch the video and let me know what you think. What questions can I answer for you?

Fujifilm XT5 in 2024?

What's up, everybody? Welcome back to the channel! If you're new here, my name is Jeremy, and I'm glad to have you. If you're not new, welcome back! So, today's video is about my camera system for 2024. I made a video in the past about wondering if I should keep the X-Pro3 in 2024. I’ll try to link that here. Ultimately, I decided it was time for the X-Pro3 to go—not because of any fault of the camera, but because it was a great camera, and I loved using it. No complaints really. I liked the fact that it didn’t have a rear LCD, although that’s a deal-breaker for some people. My copy was pristine, so I decided to sell it while it was still in great condition before any potential issues, like LCD ribbon problems, could arise, and moved on to something else.

That "something else" is the Fuji X-T5, and this was a big decision for me. Honestly, it took me weeks to make up my mind. But I'm happy to say that I’m pretty content with my system now. I wasn’t in a rush, but wedding season has started for me here in East Tennessee, so I definitely wanted two of the same bodies with the same lens mount for redundancy. I like to run two cameras with different focal lengths, and this setup works perfectly for that.

Now, why the X-T5 over the X-H2? That was the biggest decision for me. It wasn’t about other Fuji cameras like the X-S10 or any of the lower-end models. I didn’t want a camera that was just cheaper for the sake of being cheaper. I wanted something that gave me all the features and performance of my X-H2S, but with more megapixels. I’ve realized that I like to crop images, not drastically, but if I see a shot I didn’t initially notice when I took it and I want to crop a little, I want that option.

On paper, the X-T5 and the X-H2 both have 40 megapixels, but it really comes down to buttons, ergonomics, and a few other smaller differences. I think the autofocus might be a bit better on the X-H2, but I can’t confirm that since I haven’t used it enough to say for sure. I haven’t had any issues with autofocus on my X-T5—it's been great. In fact, I’m using it right now for this video. This is my second camera. I won’t use much of this footage, but I’m testing it out to make sure everything’s working. I had some autofocus issues in the past due to forgetting to turn it on, but today, I’m using a Ninja recorder, so I can see myself and make sure I’m in focus.

The X-T5 is a 40-megapixel camera, and it’s tiny! It's so small and thin that I opted for the Arca Swiss plate with the additional front grip, which I love. I hate tripod plates that don’t work across all my gear, so I prefer to use an Arca Swiss plate on my grip or cage, so I can easily move between tripods, monopods, and handheld setups without worrying about having the right plate. It just works. With the grip on the X-T5, it feels fantastic in hand, and it's still small enough to fit in any bag I have, even alongside my Leica M10 Monochrome, without feeling like I’ve packed an entire kitchen.

Typically, my go-to camera lately has been my son's Ricoh GR2, which I've owned twice and absolutely love. But for my main work, I shoot primarily with my Leica 50mm lens as my rangefinder camera for black-and-white work. For the Fuji, I tend to use the 16mm (24mm equivalent) for wide shots or the 56mm f/1.2 Mark II, which is almost like using an 85mm equivalent, and I love that compression. The 56mm f/1.2 on the X-T5 sensor, with all that resolution, is gorgeous—I absolutely love that combo.

For me, it made sense to build a kit I could pack up in a backpack and carry all my cameras for both photo and video in one bag. I use a Pelican 1510 case (I think that's the model number, don’t quote me) and can fit both of these cameras, my lenses, adapters, cords, batteries, everything, all in one place. I couldn’t do that comfortably with any other system. I had the Canon R5, which I loved—I actually bought it twice, and it’s the only Canon camera I’ve really loved—but the glass is just too big for my liking. I know I’m not a small person, but I don’t want to carry around glass that takes up my entire bag just to have a few lenses. It’s not fun for me.

I love shooting film, as I’ve mentioned many times, and it’s very common for me to throw an additional film camera into my bag—whether it's the M7, the Nikon F3, or just a point-and-shoot like the XA. I don’t throw my Rolleiflex in there, though, that's just too big.

Part of the reason I went with the X-T5 instead of the X-H line is that I didn’t want the X-H series to become my primary photo camera. I wanted some separation between my video and photo gear. I wanted each body to have a clear purpose when I pick it up. And that intentionality has been working really well for me so far.

Also, not that it matters a lot, but I’ve met a lot of friends on Threads (which I’m really loving, by the way—if you don’t follow me there, come over and hang out!). It's been such a better experience for creatives than Instagram, which I still love, but in my opinion, it's falling behind Threads. A lot of my friends on Threads shoot the X-T5 and really enjoy it, so I took their advice (even though it wasn’t directly given, just from seeing their photos) and decided that the X-T5 would be the perfect camera for my weddings, personal projects, and professional work this year. I have a session this afternoon that I’ll be using it for.

In the worst case, I’ll use the X-H2 if I need to, but I prefer the X-H2 to be more of my photo camera and to be rigged out with a cage so it’s ready for video at any time. I’ve got a new ND filter on it from PolarPro with a built-in variable ND and polarizer, which I’m really liking. I usually run a mic on it too, so it's a bit bulkier and not as travel-friendly. The X-T5, on the other hand, is much smaller, and it can easily go in a bag or hang from my neck without feeling like I’m carrying around a ton of gear. I’m not a big strap guy, but I can swap the strap from my Leica onto the X-T5 in 60 seconds, and I’m good to go.

The size, the color (Fuji colors are unmatched), and the overall portability of the Fuji system just works for me. And honestly, the Fuji Film community is another big reason I love it. I had forgotten how much I enjoy being part of a creative community where people pour into each other both online and in real life. It's refreshing, especially in a world that can be so competitive. The Fuji community really has each other’s backs, and I get a genuine sense of support from them, which is something I don’t always feel with other brands—even though my Leica work often gets more likes, it doesn’t feel as personal.

So yeah, that’s where I’m at. If you shoot Fuji, let me know which model is your favorite and why. If you had to do it all over again, would you buy the same system? Did I make a mistake buying the X-T5 in 2024? I bought it used with one shutter count, but it’s still technically new to me, and I shoot with it every day. Let me know how you’ve set up your X-T5 and what you love about it.

Alright, I’ve got to edit this video while JPEGmini runs in the background, clearing some space on my external hard drive (because I’m clearly running out of storage). Thanks for hanging out, and I’ll see you in the next one!

Leica M10 Accessories that I use daily.

Just here to drop another Youtube link for my latest video talking about some bits and bobs I use on my Leica M10 Monochrom. If you have other suggestions feel free to let me know what those are.

Issac + Grace Linville Falls Engagement Session

ClaCC

Hey all and welcome to this entry. I would start by admitting that this session was very special for me. I have been photographing Grace for years now so it feels very natural that I had the honor to capture another timeless moment for Grace and her family. I have been lucky to not only photograph her but to meet her family, and her mom specifically. Julz is amazing and I feel very connected to her though our sessions as well, so when she text me a few months ago asking if I would be interested / available to photograph a surprise proposal, I couldn’t say no! ( NOT THAT I WOULD ANYWAY) Isaac, who is now Grace’s fiance had asked Julz to help plan the entire event, and what an event it was. The weather, cars breaking down, and them finding me without letting her know what was going on were all speed bumps we had to navigate on the day but we are resilient. The day was perfect and she said yes and that leads us here. Well it led us to Linville, North Carolina and to chasing waterfalls. Linville Falls is stunning and the weather was fantastic. All of the images in this post of from time together capturing their official engagement photos as we count the days, and Grace knows to the day, until we capture another special moment for these two. The wedding is coming fast!

I know, I know. Thats ALOT of photos for one post right but how do I choose? How would I narrow these down further. Yes further, because I have more still. It was a magical afternoon, recording moments between these two, and watching as they silently connect over and over again. I love adventures like these and I am ready for the next. Who has next??? Email me and lets plan your adventure together.

J

Fujifilm Lenses I recommend in 2024

The more I use the Youtube the less I write here, hence the last few posts directly asking you to visit my channel for more information. This continues today as I made a video discussing the Fujifilm lenses I am currently using, and what my thoughts are on them. Go check it out! Please

The photo community is truly special

If you are reading this, you may or may not know my story. I think I may make a video about me in the future so just know I have been a photographer for almost 2 decades now. Through this art form of capturing moments in time either on film or a digital sensor, I have made the most incredible friends. I have made things that broke my heart, but also made things that fill me with joy as well. I have captured so many things in this time but one of the things that stick with me most is the connections created. The friendships formed over a mutual interest. Shared meals, coffee, and drinks to talk or collaborate. The list goes on and on and on. I hope to be a part of your story as well. Please take a few moments to watch me talk about this in the video above and please consider subscribing to follow me on this journey that is Youtube.

Shoot film with me and the Hasselblad 500c

Continuing to share my work from Youtube here to help generate traffic and honestly to help motivate myself to keep making them. What should I make next?

Anyone?

I have since traded my beloved Hasselblad ( missing it dearly ) for a camera I have always wanted, the Roleiflex TLR. My friend Joshua had one and we traded for a period to try them out and we never traded back. The world of photography is special!

Screen shot from when my beard was cooler than it is now LOL

Long Term Leica SL2S review.

I am a lucky guy to have owned a couple of Leicas over my career, the m240, M3, M6, SL2S, and now an M10 Monochrom so what do I think about the SL2S from a professionals perspective? Well Ill just cut to the spoiler, I love it. Everything about it, almost. I would recommend you check the video below for a more in depth conversation on my thoughts and feelings of this beautiful piece of machinery.

Thanks for being here and I look forward to seeing you over there, on Youtube.

A photographers take on journaling

What’s up everyone! Mixing it up today and digging into one of my favorite tools as a person who makes stuff daily. That isn’t always a video or a photograph, even though it mostly is. Sometimes its just making lists of To Dos or wish lists and I might put down other creative ideas.

This is why today I wanna touch on journaling, and putting thoughts to paper. I want to admit up front that I am not great at this but, its something I am working on. Some days are heavier than others, and on those days maybe I will jot down how I am feeling or whats going on in life, but mostly I pack the stuff away in my mind somewhere deep but instead I catch myself writing down anything else I can think of. I mostly use a journal or notebook for my daily To Dos. Having a place where my tasks can live, help me remember them but also gives me a quick reference when my memory takes a crap and I cant remember what I needed to do. This can be as simple as putting down that I need to do some laundry today, or take out the trash. These types of things rarely need reminders because I run into them physically when I am home for the day right but what about the others things? I write them down.

Taking notes like this, or journaling, isn’t a new practice for many people. Its therapeutic, its historic, and its just a nice tool to help organize all the thoughts in one place. There are many other videos about this but what I want to touch on is getting started. It can be hard if you are a guy especially, or just someone who doesn’t access your feeling and thoughts often. I am that guy. So for me the best way to get started was just making these To do lists. Daily. For me, getting into the habit of the act of writing down makes the next day easier, but it also makes writing easier because its not so foreign anymore. I know that there are other people out there like me so trust me when I say ,start small and with things you KNOW you can accomplish. The reward of checking those boxes off makes it much more enjoyable to attempt the process the next day, and then the next. As you get into a rhythm then write it all down. Whatever you want. There are NO rules here y’all. This is your notebook. This is your property, and this is your safe space. Share it with anyone you like but keep it close to your chest if that makes you feel better about being free to write for yourself. Peter Mckinnon talks about how he uses his notebook and I found it be be very inspiring so if you haven’t seen that then I will link it here. I tried to keep a notebook in my pocket daily to start but quickly, and I mean lighting fast remembered, I hate having shit in my pockets. I love knives but they better have a pocket clip or a belt clip. My phone goes in the back pocket and my keys stay magnetically out of the way and out of my pocket thanks to my Alpaca clip. I tried carrying my chest pack daily ( still try to ) and this helped because then I could add my Kindle to the bag and have my books readily available as well but lets face it. Im old and chest packs are probably for the younger man, and Im not small so I sweat, so this is also an issue. When I do carry my chest pack I still keep extra notebooks and pens just in case though.

So what have I found as my solution? I went to the Google in search of a notebook cover that would also double as my new wallet. After a little looking around on Etsy, I took a chance and picked up a great solution though Im afraid it will be short lived but only because I think I will upgrade to a higher quality leather option. Having my wallet is a necessity and having access to my notes is as well. So having them combined is incredible. It is larger than I prefer but its winter here so hoodies are back. This makes carrying it easy. Once summer comes this may have to be switched up, but for now I couldn’t be happier. For my notebooks, I found these on Amazon that are bulleted and makes checking the box even easier and they were affordable as well. For the pen I currently use, the kid in me is pumped to use this pen I found on Amazon as well. I find it interesting for a few reasons. To start the metal design gives me hopes that it will last longer than a plastic option. Its is a red, and black pen combined with a mechanical pencil all in one. Thats not unusual obviously but what is interesting is how it works. Its gravity fed so basically, whichever option you are looking at, say black ink for the example, is what is dispensed when you click it into action. If you have a better option or something that works for you that might also work for me I would appreciate your input. I would also like to know what works for you even if its similar to my approach. I also just love pens and paper so any tips and tricks for your favorites would be well received.

Homesick

Screen shot from my video.

I have wanted to make something like this for a long time. I don’t know that I made exactly what I wanted to, or said what I wanted to say with this piece but I made something I am proud of and that is something in itself.

Lets back up a little to the day of me filming this:

I woke up and something was off. I felt a heaviness, and a loneliness that was almost crippling. I knew I had to make time to be alone, and that I needed to do something to focus my energy or succumb to the weight of the day. I decided to head off in the rain to film some pieces for a project I have had on my mind for a year now but once I started filming something was different. Anytime I get to be with a camera it helps take my mind off of life. It lets me focus on my craft and the technical details of the equipment. As I dialed everything in the my liking, I was able to settle in to the work easily. Once the ball was rolling, I knew I was making something but not what I had set out to create. I think that happens more often than not but I also think there is a beauty in it as well.

This video is something I made for myself. I don’t remember these places from a time when I was young enough to enjoy them fully, but I know from conversations, and photos that I spent a great part of my child hood here. I titled it Homesick because it is my home. Its where I grew up, and I am homesick but not for the place itself but for the memories I have lost.

I hope you enjoy it and I hope you know that WE STILL NEED YOU HERE.

One more screen shot from my film.

Are blogs dead?

I havent shared here in a long time ( minus my share yesterday with a link to a Youtube video) but believe that Google only recommends websites that are “active”. So I will be adding some recent links to other videos that I am proud of in hopes of making my site more active but also directing others to my channel. I truly hope to grow my Youtube more and more. It has quickly became a great place for me to stretch creatively. Go give me a follow, it costs you nothing. At all. Zero.

Todays video is about the first photo book I have ever purchased. It is a book by Erwin Olaf and his work is stunning. I go in to more depth in the video so jump over there and let me know what you think. Do you like his work as well? Do you want me to make any videos in particular? Let me know

‘

Fujifilm Xpro3 Review in 2024

I have tried many cameras, and many brands but as of writing this, I am enjoying shooting Fujifilm again. I made a video discussing my thoughts on the Xpro 3 years after its release. If you shoot Fuji, or are curious to why I bought a second Xpro3 then please watch the video for a better summary. .

Arizona on Medium Format

Painted by light

Today is November 17th, 2023. Atlas turned 12 yesterday, Jaryn got accepted to TCAT and will start trade school in January, and Austin is working and going to school full-time. Proud is an understatement but proud I am. I woke up today to a notification that my little YouTube channel hit 500 subscribers and I am beside myself about it. So thats the short version of me catching you up to whats new at least this week. Oh Natasha also bought a new car yesterday and it’s amazing.

The texture in the desert is truly majestic

So as I mentioned above, Natasha and I finally took time to have a honeymoon of sorts this year. We have been married 13 years as of August and while we wait for our matching tattoos to commemorate the milestone, we took a trip. She was already in Arizona for the Brave Enough Conference so we decided that I would fly in solo to Phoenix to meet her. From Phoenix we grabbed a rental car and headed 2 hours North to Sedona and my goodness I wasn’t prepared for the desert and the majesty of it all. I have seen photos and videos but seeing it in person is truly something different. I shot tons of film and those wont be on this post but I wanted to share my images from the Hasselblad X1dii and the 45mm lens. I honestly do not think these do it justice but at least you can get an idea of how I tried to capture what I was experiencing. I plan to make a Youtube video talking about the trip but here are the images!

Thank you for being here. Thank you for reading, and thank you for supporting my small business and dream of creating daily.

Walking around Bays Mountain with a new camera

Hey, has anyone told you how difficult it is to work full time, run a business full time, and manage ALL THE SOCIALS? It is dumb. Really dumb. I post to Instagram, Vero, Threads, X, Facebook, and try to make content for Youtube as time and life allows. Todays entry is one of those attempts. I picked up a camera I have been eyeballing for years, and made the most of a hot ass, humid Southern morning and went out and shot all morning. This video is me taking you with me on that morning. I would love and appreciate if you saw it, to subscribe, like, and comment on the video. I get little feedback so its hard to know what to do differently for you all! Roll the video 3….2….1…..

CLICK ME TO SEE THE NEW VIDEO :)

Faces of Knoxville

Welcome!

Spring Evening on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Contemplation

I often catch myself staring at things

that catch my attention. This can he

a painting. a culinary masterpiece, features

of certain people, but most often in photos.

At first I thought this happens because of the joy it brings me. I am a very visual person.

Then I found myself wondering ,why though?

Why does this thing, or person, or image capture my attention?

As creatives, our job is to tell stories. In words, music, photos, or however we feel we can express ourselves.

Lets dig a little deeper though. Why? Why do we stop and look?

I believe the driving factor is simple. We are curious to our core.

Curiosity is baked into our D.N.A.

Being curious keeps us moving forward.

Progressing, inventing, mastering, but

more importantly, I would argue, learning!

I truly enjoy learning more about those things they have my interest. I never want to look back and wonder, what if?

What if I took more chances? What

if I slowed down more? Learned to be present? what if I use my camera's less

like tools, but more of an extention of

my curiosity? Maybe say NO more to things that don't pour back into my life and yes to things that scare me?

I never want to be less than I am designed to be. Why would we settle?

Do you?

Late night thoughts- .

Jg

Failure is not an option, its critically necessary

That is a dark way to start a post probably but I truly believe it. We can only grow in the hardest times. These times can be in a season of doubt, they can show themselves in a time of conflict, and sometimes we find ourselves in a dark state when things seem to be going exactly as planned. So how does that make any sense? Well I should start by saying anything written here on my site, is my opinion alone and either from my experience or observation. I think its pretty easy to know when shit has hit the fan and when we are in a time of doubt but how does this express itself when everything seems to be going well? This is a personal experience and one that takes us removing some distractions and hearing ourselves truthfully. We have to listen but honestly listen. We have to take our guard down even to ourselves. We have to be open to seeing how we can improve our work, our situation, and our circumstances. Only when we are open to the idea of growing even when things seemingly are going our way. When our work feels the way we want it to, When we are open to the idea of growing, forever looking to improve can we then extend ourselves to be what we truly are capable of. 

So go make something, mess up a lot, and make it again. Only then will you grow and I want to be there for it!

Senior Session for Dalton

Im learning that writing is not exactly a strength of mine. Attempting to do so daily or regularly in my case, is showing me a lot but this post doesn’t need many words. I went to school with April, Dalton’s mom and have been blessed to not only watch him grow up but capture lots of photos of him in that time. These are my favorite of them all. He is a fantastic young man, respectful, photogenic, and also a 2 time ( currently aiming for #3 ) State Champion in football. He has the rings to prove it, but all the gold did not go to his head. I truly hope my boys can leave such an impact on those around them. I t think they are pretty great myself :)

Dalton is mid way thru his last year of high school. He is coming into himself and knows exactly who he is. He is always fun to be around and to work with but he also listens extremely well and trusts that I have his best interest in mind and hes right about that. His girlfriend Morgan always joins us and vice versa as I have been honored to work with her multiple times in the past as well. This session was even sweeter when Luke, Daltons little brother joined the fun.

All of the images are shot with my Canon EOS R3. Review coming pretty soon on that but lets get to the goods.

This last shot though..

What a weekend!

If you have been here at all in the last few weeks you may have read that I am trying- key work try- to write here daily for a month to experiment with this as a constant form of creating. I hope that it helps new and incredible ideas emerge by shifting my focus temporarily. Have I succeeded in writing every day? Big ole negative. As a matter of fact, I have missed the last 2 days because I am cranking the session out and the art in tow. So just as I hope you would, I am giving myself some grace ( again ) I am just here to summarize the weekend. Thursday night we worked late creating a hype video for a a local high school, followed by a fall festival at Atlas’ school. Friday night starting with sending the mountain bike through the woods with friends. I didn’t realize how much I have missed this. After a successful ride, Meaning not wrecks, but not in the sense that I am in any kind of physical shape these days LOL. The dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurants before coming home to crash. Saturday was making breakfast, followed by a meeting with Trent and Shelby to discuss wedding plans for next year, then only a few hours later I was off to photograph one of my favorite subjects. Senior session that was sports inspired with a couple of state championship rings to show for it. Today, we woke up for church, were I also photographed service, baptism, and our chili cook off. Then Atlas, Natasha, and I ended up at ETSU to play basketball for a few hours. I hate I didn’t get to see Austin or Jaryn all weekend but other than that I don’t think I could as for much more. Trying to slow down some and live life to the fullest but also create and create some more.. Photos below, are just for fun. No point, just photos. Until the next one.